Dear Families,
Little Red School House and Elisabeth Irwin High School has a long history of involvement in social justice movements. Whether welcoming adults who had been blacklisted from their chosen profession or making space for children from segregated schools, LREI has long participated in efforts to bring equal rights to all—a small voice joining with others to advocate for large-scale change.Visibility: Lesbian and Gay People in Our Lives, a photo exhibit organized by the Parents Association’s Lesbian/Gay/Straight Alliance, is an action in the same vein. Families, alumni, faculty members have donated photos and captions and this year’s exhibit will be as uplifting as those in the past.
We host this exhibit to give voice and hope to those who must hide part of themselves from family, friends and colleagues. I have never had to hide whom I love from anyone. As a matter of fact, society has always encouraged me to be open about this part of my life – from the day of my first middle school crush to the day of my marriage. Yet many people risk rejection and injury for sharing this simple joy with family and friends.
As we approach this year’s exhibit, I want to share answers to questions that I have been asked by members of the LREI community.
- Is the photo exhibit still necessary now that same sex marriage is legal in New York?
- It sure is. The federal Defense of Marriage Act denies same-sex couples equal protection under the law. Also, as a community of young people, we need to remain in the struggle for the safety and well-being of LGBTQ young people who continue to be victims of bias, bullying and violence. There are still laws and minds to change. For more information about safe schools and anti-bullying efforts, visitwww.GLSEN.org.
- Why doesn’t the photo exhibit invite pictures from all families at LREI?
- While this would make for a warm and wonderful exhibit, and does so in other schools, such an exhibit would suggest that all families are equal. While I believe this to be true, that love and caring are powerful and wonderful no matter who is sharing them, it is essential to remember that while all love may be equal, not all love is treated equally, not all families have the same rights, and that some people have to hide their true selves or run the risk of emotional or physical assault. We choose to highlight those who do not see themselves in the mainstream.
- While this would make for a warm and wonderful exhibit, and does so in other schools, such an exhibit would suggest that all families are equal. While I believe this to be true, that love and caring are powerful and wonderful no matter who is sharing them, it is essential to remember that while all love may be equal, not all love is treated equally, not all families have the same rights, and that some people have to hide their true selves or run the risk of emotional or physical assault. We choose to highlight those who do not see themselves in the mainstream.
- Is this exhibit appropriate for our youngest students?
- It is. As you view the photos in the exhibit a number of themes will emerge for you–dignity, friendship, equality and courage, among others. But most of all, the theme or feeling or emotion that you will take away from viewing these beautiful photographs is love—love for family and friends and parents and children—and I can think of no reason that, of all things, we should ever question the appropriateness of love, the power of love, the importance of love and the right to love.
- It is. As you view the photos in the exhibit a number of themes will emerge for you–dignity, friendship, equality and courage, among others. But most of all, the theme or feeling or emotion that you will take away from viewing these beautiful photographs is love—love for family and friends and parents and children—and I can think of no reason that, of all things, we should ever question the appropriateness of love, the power of love, the importance of love and the right to love.
- Love, but sex as well, no?
- No. When younger students see these photos they see friends and loved ones. They see smiles and laughter. Might they ask a question about how two mommies or two daddies can have a baby? Sure. There are many answers to this question that do not stretch what is appropriate or comfortable to discuss with younger kids. If we are going to change the way in which people are treated, if we are going to put an end to discrimination, then we have to begin with the youngest members of our community and not wait until the adults in the world have been able to impart their bigotry.
The strength of Visibility is the stories that are told through the pictures. I urge you to share your story by contributing to this amazing display. Please send submissions to Visibility@lrei.org. Please address questions toLGSA@lrei.org.
Visibility: Lesbian and Gay People in Our Lives will be on display in the Sixth Avenue building from March 12th-April 6th and in the Charlton Street building from April 9th-April 20th. I invite you to join me for the exhibition’s opening reception on March 12th at 6:30 PM in the Sixth Avenue Auditorium.